MORNINGTON COUNCIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1340, 4 August 1877, Page 10

MORNINGTON COUNCIL.

Present : The Mayor (Mr Barr) in the chair; Messrs Vine, Clayton, Simpson, Fraaer, Nicholson, Matthews, Law, M'NeilL MINUTES. n The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. COEBESPONDENCE. Letters were read from the Colonial Secretary's office concerning the establishment of pounds. — From Mr A. J. Burns, forwarding copies of Acts.— From J. Connell, asking for the use of the Hall for dancing. — From Mr A. Kimbell, referring to the impassable state of the A.rgyle Road.— From Mr William Lind, calling attention to the state 'of the Lower Road, near Mr Matthews's. The list two letters were referred to the Works Committee. Mr James Hickey wrote asking the Mayor, as Returning Officer, to declare him elected to the seat rendered vacant through the resignatiou of Mr Rattray, he being the second on the poll. Mrßathgate, he contended, being the Council's solicitor, was ineligible to take bis seat. Messrs Bathgate and Buchanan wrote suggesting as their Mr Bathgate had been elected a member of the Council that the legal business of the Council should be placed in the hands of some other gentleman. Mr Simpson moved, and Mr Clayton seconded—"That Mr Strode be appointed to carry out the transfer from the Road Board to the CounciL"— Carried. Mr Simpson further moved— "That Messrs Hickey and Bathgate and Buchanan's letters be referred to Mr Strode for advice." Mr George Scott wrote drawing attention to the nuisance caused by pig-houses, and hoping the Council would pass a bye-law. He offered to act as Inspector gratuitously. Mr Fraser moved— "That the Mayor, Mr Law. and the mover, be appointed a Legislative Committee." Seconded by Mr Simpson, and carried. Mr Scott's letter was thereupon referred to the Legislative Committee. WORKS COMMITTEE'S BEPOBT. The Works Committee, amongst other things, recommended that the culvert in the Glen be altered. Also, that alterations and additions to the Hall be made, at a cost not exceeding L7O. Mr Simpson moved, and Mr Clayton seconded, the adoption of the report. Mr Law thought it a mistake to add a wing to the present building at a cost of L7O. He would be in favour of spending twic9 as much if they could afford it. He would move— " That the clause be expunged." Mr Vine seconded the amendment, which, on being put, was declared to be lost on the casting vote of the Chairman. The report was adopted. APPLICATIONS FOB ENGINEER. Six applications for the office of Engineer to the Council were read. After a little discussion, the consideration of the applications was deferred until next meeting. SERPENTINE AVENUE. It was decided that Messrs Matthews and Law be appointed a deputation to wait on Mr Mirams, City Engineer, and direct his attention to the condition ef Serpentine Avenue. BATES. Mr Nicholson moved— "That the Town Clerk be authorised to give proper notification of the intention to strike a rate of Is in the £ per annum for nine months." Seconded by Mr Matthews, and carried.